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  Flowerfolk Herbal Apothecary | Herbalist Steph Zabel | Boston, MA

4 Herbs to Beat the Summer Heat

7/28/2016

 
Despite the plant abundance, beauty and delight that is apparent during summer, I must confess.... this is not my favorite season. Is that a surprise?

I tend to have a hard time with heat (and this year we've had a lot!) and constant glaring, bright, sunny days. It may sound counter-intuitive (especially for someone who is an herbalist!), but summer has always been the season I struggle the most with. I can't be the only one who feels this way, right?!...  

Perhaps it has something to do with growing up in extreme hot weather climates for so many years. I spent the majority of my life living in South Carolina AND in Texas, where most of the year is very bright, hot and sweaty.


For some people -- for some constitutions, that is -- the heat is simply too aggrevating. And I am no exception. This is why some people prefer cold foods over hot foods, or why some people wear tank tops in an air-conditioned room while others must wear a sweater. We are all so unique in our constitutions and what we crave, need or gravitate towards. This has always fascinated me.

But back to the heat: if you're like me and are having trouble with the current season there are plenty of things you can do to make yourself more comfortable until that first gentle whisper of autumn arrives.... Here are some of my favorite hot weather herbs and strategies:
1. Hibiscus
Hibiscus sabdariffa
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Photo credit: Thomas Schoch via WikiCommons
Hibiscus is my go-to summer herb. As soon as the temperature starts to rise above 80 degrees, I break out my stash. There is no other herb that I have experienced that is so well-suited to the dog days of summer. Hibiscus is tremendously cooling, and helps to bring the body temperature down.

Also, perhaps due in part to its tart flavor, it's very thirst-quenching and helps to keep us hydrated while we are sweating away in the summer heat. The taste is refreshing and flavorful, a bit sour and energizing, and many people find that it is almost addictive.

In my home as soon as one batch of hibiscus tea has disappeared I’ll make another one right away so that there is always plenty to gulp down when needed. You can also freeze the tea into ice cubes (or popsicles!) for a really refreshing treat. 

​Read more about hibiscus here....


​2. Rose

Rosa spp.
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The queen of flowers, rose is an astringent, cooling and anti-inflammatory herb. You don't need to use a lot of rose because it can end up tasting bitter in teas. However, it is a lovely addition to summertime blends, and has a wonderful affinity for the heart, imparting an uplifting effect on the emotions.

​Rose adds its gentle cooling touch and helps to bring aggravation or frustration down a notch. One of my favorite ways to use rose is by spritzing rose water on my body. Get a good quality, organic rose water and place it in a spray bottle and you have an instant magic potion that I find is indispensable for hot, humid days.

​It feels so refreshing and makes everything seem just a little bit better.



3. Mint

Mentha spicata and ​Mentha x piperita  
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Everyone knows mint -- it is one of our most ubiquitous herbs. And so sometimes we forget how powerful it can be. This little herb has traditionally been used for everything from digestive upset to headaches to muscle spasms.... And you guessed it -- it's also super cooling for the human body.

Mint is full of menthol which is an essential oil that gives the plant its active, cooling, anti-inflammatory properties. Just drinking iced mint tea is immensely refreshing.

However, there is a difference to note amongst the mints: we have peppermint, which is much more powerful and higher in menthol, and we also have spearmint, which is a bit more mellow. I tend to use spearmint more often because it blends nicely with other herbs, without overpowering the whole blend.

​See which one you like best.



​4. Dandelion Leaf

Taraxacum officinale
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In traditional herbalism dandelion leaf is called a "refrigerant" because it has such an amazing cooling effect on the body. In fact it is so cooling that it might be too much for some people, so don't use huge quantities of this herb.

​It is also a little bit bitter tasting, so it is nice to add some of the other herbs above to even out the flavor. As an extra benefit, dandelion is one of our most important herbs for liver health, so you are also doing this most vital organ a favor by drinking your dandy leaves.

Hibiscus, Rose & Mint Sun Tea

This tea is wonderfully cooling, refreshing and hydrating on hot summer days. And you don't have to make your kitchen hotter than it already is by heating up water-- this recipe calls for a cold water infusion.

4 tablespoons dried hibiscus
2 tablespoons dried rose petals
1/2 - 1 tablespoon dried spearmint


Directions:
  • Add all herbs to a quart-sized glass jar and cover completely with cold water. Give it a stir and then cap tightly.
  • Place the jar in a sunny window and let it infuse for 3 to 6 hours until the desired flavor is reached.
  • Strain out the herbs and enjoy iced! (The remaining herbs can be steeped again, but will be weaker the second time around.)
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Mugwort: A Wild Beauty

6/21/2016

 
When I first moved to Boston a decade ago I felt like a country girl in the big city. I’d traveled and lived in several places before, but had never before set down roots in an urban environment. I was used to living amongst trees and woods, and wide-open spaces. Although I loved my new city home, I greatly missed natural open spaces, and forests, and wild places.

So I found consolation in a different sort of wildness: in untamed, weedy plants that sprout up in the neglected areas of town. Of all of these – the dandelions, chickweeds, shepherd’s purses and burdocks that I came to know and love – mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) was the one to capture me the most.

When I first made acquaintances with this lovely creature I knew nothing of the plant, not even its name. I just loved the beautiful shape, tall stature, silvery leaves, and gracefulness as I observed mugwort swaying in the wind, or in the passing rumble of a train.
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I used to walk one particular route to work that always led me past a population of mugwort. It was an unpleasant and ugly stretch to walk through, full of trash and city grime, but the mugwort always provided a glimpse of beauty and grace with its silvery green glow. It felt like the mugwort was welcoming me to my new city, and whispered to me an important reminder: that I could find beauty wherever I looked for it.

Upon delving deeper into my work with the herbs I discovered many things about mugwort that enamored me with the plant even more. I found out that it is a plant of ancient use and was known as the Mater Herbarum  — the mother of all herbs. Mugwort was held sacred by various cultures and thought to be the oldest of plants. In particular it was believed to be a plant that offered protection to humans. It was once common to hang a sprig of mugwort over the doorway — or to burn it as an incense — to keep illness and evil spirits away from the home.

Its botanical name Artemisia refers to the goddess Artemis, hinting at its divine origins. Named after the lunar goddess of childbearing and the wilderness, mugwort is steeped in much folklore about its healing virtues. It has traditionally held a powerful affiliation with the moon and was considered to be a prime herb for women. 
Artemisia vulgaris has been used to soothe the pain of childbirth as well as monthly menstrual cramping. It may also help to regulate the menstrual cycle to a normal, cyclical rhythm. Herbalist Matthew Wood says that mugwort will restore the injured female nature.

Mugwort’s actions on the body are warming and slightly stimulating. As such it helps to increase circulation throughout the body and to remove stagnant blood (hence its use for the menstrual cycle). In Traditional Chinese medicine a related Artemisia species is made into moxa for use over stiff joints and cold, stagnant areas of the body.

As for its stimulating properties, mugwort is well known for its ability to impart vivid dreams and to promote creative meditation. Many people will find that simply drinking a cup of mugwort tea before bed will have a marked effect on their dreams. Because of this property, however, avoid mugwort when you are trying to get a deep and restorative night’s sleep!
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I love what one of my favorite herbal writers, Judith Berger, has to say about this special plant. She says that regular use of mugwort “strengthens our ability to absorb intuitive information as we preserve an aspect of sharpness in our interaction with the complex, topside world.” In other words, mugwort helps us to enhance our intuition in order to better navigate daily reality.

Mugwort can be found growing in disturbed areas and along roadsides wherever humans reside. If you are harvesting the plant for internal use be sure to avoid collecting near traffic-laden roads, or in areas where the soil may be contaminated. Clip the tall stalks so that you are harvesting the upper third of the plant. The best time to collect mugwort is right before its very tiny flower buds open. Hang a bundle of the stalks upside down to dry.

HOW TO USE MUGWORT:

➤ Use 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of dried herb per mug of hot water; let steep at least 10 minutes. Drink before bedtime to increase dreams.
➤   Infuse into vinegar to extract its rich mineral content (mugwort is high in calcium and magnesium)
➤   Infuse into oil to use for topical applications as a warming, stimulating remedy, for cold joints or for menstrual cramping

Caution: As a uterine stimulant and emmenogogue, mugwort should not be used during pregnancy.

MUGWORT DREAM TEA

Here’s a lovely tea that I like to make after dinner to help wind down before bed-time, and to ease me into the dream world:

1 part linden

1 part lemon balm
½ part oat tops
¼ part mugwort
small pinch of lavender

Let steep for at least 15 minutes. Sip mindfully and breathe in the vapor of the tea, and see if you don’t have a very deep night’s sleep, with dreams that you remember the next day…

Chickweed

4/29/2016

 
You probably already know this if you have attended one of my herbal classes, but I love weeds! Yes, I have a great fondness for the plants that everyone tries to get rid of and “keep under control” especially the tenacious ones that keep on growing where nothing else could…. the crack of a sidewalk, compacted and poor soil, the top of a bridge, along railroad tracks, etc.… 

I love weeds because they are spunky and resourceful, and in some cases they are beneficial to the local ecosystem. These plants will hold down eroding soil, remove heavy metals, and/or provide greater soil fertility and organic matter.  They grow in niches where more delicate plants cannot.

Additionally, many of these so-called weeds make for good foods and remedies for humans. So, before you decide to remove a weedy creature from your garden or lawn, please consider all of the above qualities and appreciate the vitality that is found in wild plants!

Now, onto Chickweed, one of our delightfully weedy plants that can be seen around town.
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First and foremost, chickweed is an abundant wild edible. It makes for a refreshing salad green and is a traditional spring tonic. It is very nutritious, being high in chlorophyll, vitamins A & C, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Chickweed is a wonderful herb to help support the liver and the whole lymphatic system. Traditionally it is used to remove metabolic wastes and excess fats from the body.
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If you make a tea of chickweed you might notice an interesting property that it has: when you pour hot water over the dried leaves you’ll see a foamy substance that rises to the top. This is because chickweed contains saponins, which are soap-like substances that increase the permeability of cells. This quality helps our human bodies to absorb more nutrients while also helping us to break down waste products, including excess mucous, toxins and fat cells. This makes it a perfect spring herb to turn to when our bodies need to wake up — and lighten up — after a long winter.

On the herbal spectrum of actions chickweed is considered to be a cooling and demulcent herb. It is soothing and moisturizing for the body’s tissues, both internally and externally. Chickweed can be used for any sort of hot, inflammatory condition such as colitis, sore throat, itchy or inflamed skin, or even stings, burns and sunburn. I think it is especially wonderful for irritated and red eyes. A simple poultice of fresh chickweed placed over the eyes will bring cooling relief.
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Now in early spring is the time to scope out wild chickweed; before too long it will start to fade in the hot summer sun. Watch out for its dainty white, star-shaped flowers, and brilliant green leaves.  It may be an over-looked plant but once you learn how to identify chickweed you will be surprised to see it growing abundantly, spreading like tiny stars across the city.

HOW TO USE CHICKWEED:
  • It is best to use chickweed when it is fresh — the young, spring-gathered plant can be eaten raw in salads, or made into an herbal pesto.
  • If it is not possible to get your hands on fresh chickweed, an infusion of the dried leaf can be made with 1 Tblsp. of the herb per 1 cup of water. Let this brew steep for 4 to 8 hours in order to extract the most minerals out of it.
  • If purchasing a tincture of chickweed, make sure it was made with the fresh plant, rather than the dried herb.

Passionflower

4/5/2016

 
There may not be an herb as striking and gorgeous as passionflower. Its circular, whirling, complex blossom is breathtaking. And although it seems to be an exotic species that comes from a far off place, it is a plant that is native to the southeastern part of our country.
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Growing up in South Carolina I have vivid memories of passionflower vines from my childhood. My grandparents grew them outside of their home, and we also found them growing wild along the edges of the streets where we walked. My cousins and I would stop and exclaim if we found a passionflower in bloom. It always seemed like a little piece of magic that we stumbled upon at those times — something intensely beautiful and mysterious that stood out like a spark in the landscape.
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Photo credit: Wikipedia commons
Going back south for visits I frequently spy tangly nests of passionflower vines growing in ditches along the roadside. Sometimes they find something else to climb upon; other times they spread out in unruly waves along the ground.

Vining plants are unique in their growing habits, unlike trees and shrubs and flowers that are naturally upright and keep to themselves. Instead, vines are climbers and creepers, stretching out their tendrils and elongated stems in order to seek another form to cling to. Such is the case with passionflower, which has delicate, tightly-wound, grasping tendrils. When given a trellis or other support to grow upon its vining beauty is most fully expressed.

The lovely, complex flower structure of Passiflora make it a sought-after ornamental plant. (See the growing details below if you wish to try your hand at cultivating it.) Its fruit is edible and is sometimes referred to as “maypop” because of the popping sound it makes when pressed. If you open up a ripe fruit you will discover an edible inner flesh that is juicy and sour, and filled with dark seeds.
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Passionflower has a long history of traditional use. It is perhaps most well known for its calming influence on the nervous system. Herbalists use the plant for anxiety, tension and nervousness. It is a wonderful remedy for people who get over-stimulated and are tightly wound. (I like to think of its tightly coiled tendrils as a metaphor of this feeling.) How it works its calming magic is not exactly known, but it is believed to increase levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain which creates a relaxing feeling in humans.

The upper parts of passionflower — the leaves, stems and flowers — are also a common remedy for insomnia and sleep issues, acting as a mild sedative. Many herbalists like to recommend it for people who cannot let go of their endless thoughts at night, preventing them from getting sound sleep. Passionflower helps the body and mind to wind down a notch, letting go of nervous energy in order to more fully relax. Likewise, because of its calming and anti-spasmodic properties it is often used for tension and pain. It can be particularly useful for menstrual cramping and PMS crankiness. (Again, think of a grasping tendril relaxing its coil just a bit.)

On a personal note, much of my experience of passionflower comes from being around the living plant. Many years ago I worked in a greenhouse that was full of hundreds of different species of plants from all over the world. I remember one particular week when I was feeling stressed and restless because I was wanting to do and be more than what I was currently doing and being! I felt drawn to the potted passionflower vine that we had growing in the greenhouse.  At the time I did not know of its herbal uses but I felt compelled to be near its beauty — perhaps because I was reminded of my childhood experiences with the plant — and I even spent some time drawing it. I discovered that to me this beautiful creature represents a balance between seeking/longing/reaching (represented by its outstretched, grasping vines) and exquisite poise and grace (represented by its otherworldly flowers). For me, simply being around the passionflower and spending quiet, still moments with it helped to calm my own longing, anxiety and restlessness, making me feel more at ease with the present moment.

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Passionflower drawing by me

​HOW TO USE PASSIONFLOWER:

The aerial parts of Passiflora incarnata are used — leaves, stems and flowers  — which can then be made into tea or tincture.
​

Use 1 - 2 teaspoons of the dried leaf in 8 oz hot water for tea; steep for 10 minutes. Passionflower blends well with other relaxing herbs such as lemon balm, lavender, chamomile, skullcap and California poppy.

The tea is not palatable to every tongue, so the tincture is also a good option, especially for sleep issues. When using the tincture start with 1/2 of a dropper-full 30 minutes before bed and increase the dosage from there if needed.

Cautions:  Avoid passionflower in combination with other pharmaceutical sedatives, and do not use if pregnant. Also avoid this herb with low blood pressure. As with all herbs, please remember that every body is unique, and we all respond differently.

HOW TO GROW PASSIONFLOWER:

My friend Jenny Hauf, herb grower extraordinaire and owner of Muddy River Herbals was kind enough to write up some growing instructions for those of us who’d like to grow Passionflower this summer:

This sun-loving semi-succulent vine prefers relatively dry soils and can grow up to eight feet tall, so be sure to provide it with a trellis. While Passiflora incarnata is the hardiest of the passionflowers, New England specimens benefit greatly from a protected space. South-facing walls and stone fences provide ideal habitat, as they trap and conserve heat and create a microclimate warmer than the surrounding area.  Passionflower should be heavily mulched to insulate the roots from our often harsh winters. It will struggle and be at risk of winterkill if planted in heavy clay soil, frost pockets, or exposed areas of the garden.

To grow from seed, soak in warm water for two to seven days, scarify by nicking with a knife, and keep in a warm, well-lit place until seeds germinate. (An especially sunny window by a radiator works nicely.) Sow at least double what you hope to plant in your garden, as the seeds have a low rate of viability. It's a finicky germinator, taking between a few weeks and a few months to sprout, so be patient. While passionflower isn’t the simplest of plants to grow, especially here in New England, if you have the right space and enough love to give it you will be rewarded with its powerful, storied, and mesmerizing medicine. 
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Learning from Plants Directly

3/16/2016

 
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I already spied my first violet of the season. Growing in a protected, warm spot there she was, already flourishing. This early-bloomer was so beautiful and unexpected I was stopped in my tracks. Soon we will have an abundance of these indigo gems sprouting up... Hopefully you will take the time to pluck a few to adorn your spring salads. I will have more to say about violet next month, just you wait...

Now in mid-March, we may feel our restless hearts yearning for spring and all of its blossoms. We notice that things are changing very quickly and every day something new is emerging from the ground. So I send out this reminder: pay attention to the trees and weeds and bulbs that are sprouting at this very moment. You can learn so much from their growth and unfolding. 

Perhaps this is a new idea for you -- Did you know that you can learn from plants directly, without a mediator (i.e. a teacher/herbalist) in the middle? You can! And it is likely much more simple than you ever expected.

In honor of Spring's arrival, here are a few of my favorite ways to get to know plants one-on-one:
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  • Observe. Consciously pay attention to the plant life that grows everywhere. Choose one plant -- you just need one -- that you will become deeply acquainted with, whether it's a tree, shrub, herb or weed that you pass in your daily routine. Notice what the plant looks like every day and how it changes throughout the year. Notice as it leafs out, opens it flowers, and creates seeds. Notice how it dies or goes dormant in the winter, and if it comes back the following spring. This is a slow practice that takes patience but it will give you so much insight into the growing patterns of your plant.

  • Be still and sip. Consciously sit with a cup of tea (made of one herb), and approach it as a sort of meditation. Appreciate and take in the color, scent, flavor and viscosity of the tea. Notice every single little detail. See how you feel about it, noticing its effects on your physical body and your emotions. After practicing with single herbs like this you may be surprised to discover you know exactly which herb will suit you best in the moment, and what herb to choose when you are unwell.

  • Use your imagination. Take a piece of paper and some colored pencils or pens. Go sit outside next to a plant that catches your attention. Start doodling as you look at the plant, just letting your pencil flow and not trying to draw the plant exactly as it looks. Add in colors. Be free and messy. Soften your gaze and allow yourself to play as your draw the plant. Pay attention to your intuitions about the plant; let your imagination use it as a starting point and see what artful expressions you create. What do these expressions tell you about the plant? What do they tell you about your relationship to the plant?

​I encourage you to try out these simple methods. In my practice I believe it is so important to taste, smell, observe and interact with herbs in order to more fully connect with them. You can gain so much from these simple exercises.

If you would like more guidance in connecting with plants and learning how to use herbs in your daily life, perhaps you'd liketo join me in one of my upcoming Herbs for Everyday Living series...

Warmest Spring wishes to you!

Beautiful Burdock

2/15/2016

 
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Burdock is a beautiful, large-leafed plant that pops up in areas where humans live. You’ve seen it growing around our city environs in Cambridge and Somerville — I’m certain of it!

Burdock is generally called a “weed” since it likes to grow in places where it was not planted. Often overlooked, it is actually quite a lovely plant, when you take the time to admire it. The bright magenta flowers could easily be mistaken for a kind of thistle, and burdock is, in fact, closely related to thistles (a part of the Asteraceae family). The flowers are covered with prickly burrs, which interestingly were the inspiration behind the invention of Velcro! Get close to some of these clingy flowers and seed heads and you will see what I mean…

Burdock is a resourceful creature and can thrive in places where many other plants cannot. Part of its tenacity and strength is due to its long taproot, which burrows deeply down into the earth. With this advantage burdock can reach precious micro-nutrients that are often inaccessible to shallow-rooted plants.

Herein lies much of burdock’s goodness: Because of its deep earth diving, the roots contains many nutrients and minerals, as well as inulin, a special kind of storage carbohydrate (prebiotic). Inulin happens to be wonderful for the human digestive tract because it feeds and nourishes our beneficial gut flora. Taking burdock root is a good idea when there is any sort of digestive issue, especially when the good gut flora needs some support.
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When taken as food, tea or tincture, burdock (slowly) acts upon the digestion and liver. It helps the system to better digest, and assimilate fats and oils — these are then more easily distributed to the skin, hair and internal tissues. Burdock is often a popular choice for helping resolve any sort of eruptive skin problem such as acne, rashes, or eczema. I will often pair it with red clover to help support the removal of waste products that may be improperly eliminating through the skin instead of through other channels. Traditionally this cleansing action led burdock to be known as a “blood purifier” because it helps to detoxify the body and blood by stimulating the release of waste products from the cells.

Burdock root is a gentle and nutritive tonic that helps to restore one’s natural energy and to overcome states of depletion. Not that long ago it was also used as a natural aphrodisiac! However, one important thing to know about burdock is that although it can have a very deep and profound effect on the body, it works slowly and must be taken with consistency over time. A few doses of burdock will not do the trick — this is an herb that needs to be used with commitment over several months. In exchange it will show you its ability to nourish depleted bodies, provide increased energy, and improve the function of the digestive system. Judith Berger — one of my favorite herbal writers — states, “The root’s style is almost tortoise-like as it patiently wades through tired organs, pulling poisons, chemical residues, and contaminants which slow down the lymphatic, digestive, and urinary organs.”
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If you are looking to harvest your own burdock once the growing season returns, keep in mind that it is a biennial. Be sure to gather one-year-old plants in the fall, or two-year-old plants in the spring, i.e., any time before it has flowered. You want the energy of the root to still be underground rather moving upwards into the flowers and seeds.

HOW TO USE BURDOCK:

There are many ways to enjoy the sweet and earthy taste of burdock. You can eat the fresh or cooked roots, take it as a tincture, or drink it as a tea. If taking it as a tea, it will need to be simmered on the stove in order to draw out all of its benefits. Add 1 heaping tablespoon of the dried root to 1.5 cups of water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover with a lid, and let this cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Then strain and drink.

Another wonderful way to use nutritive burdock root is to steep it in apple cider vinegar. Vinegar is an excellent medium for drawing out the mineral contents of plants. Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the dried root (or twice this amount of the chopped fresh root) in an 8 oz. glass jar. Cover with apple cider vinegar and let this mixture steep at room temperature for 2 to 3 weeks. Then strain out the roots, place the remaining liquid in a clean, dark bottle, and use this earthy mixture on vegetables or salads. I like to store my herbal vinegars in the fridge for the longest shelf life. Use this up within 6 months.
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This post was originally published on Cambridge Natural's blog.

Like a Seed

2/3/2016

 
​At this time of year I always think about seeds. I imagine the many multitude of seeds lying just below the surface, safe and quiet in their dark bed of soil. They are right below us, waiting and resting.

Seeds have an especially timely message to share with us. They ask us to remember what power there is in stillness and darkness, in rest and inactivity. Without this period of dormancy the seeds would not be able to burst out of their shells and emerge through the soil. Without the underground rest and darkness they would not be able to flourish in the spring.

 
Most of us find it very difficult to have periods of true rest. There is too much that calls our attention, so much that needs "doing." But perhaps in some small, simple ways you can carve out a few moments of each day to be still like a seed. See if you can become more aware of all the inner parts of yourself that need nurturing, especially those parts that are resting and waiting until it is time to be expressed.

Like a seed, think about what beauty you want to bring into the world, when the timing is right. What do you need to nurture in yourself now so that you can emerge more fully when spring arrives?
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